Rafah Crossing shuts down again

Rafah Crossing. Photo by Gisha

July 17, 2016. Rafah Crossing opened for five days in late June and early July, with 4,581 exits and entries recorded during that time. There were 2,961 exits from Gaza to Egypt and 1,620 entries from Egypt to Gaza. Egypt denied entry into its territory to 159 individuals who arrived at the crossing. Exit was permitted for the following categories: medical patients, students registered for studies in third countries, foreign passport holders and individuals with residency status abroad, as well as people with “special coordination”.

Tens of thousands of Gaza residents are registered to exit the Strip to Egypt. Since the beginning of the year, Rafah Crossing has been open on only 14 days. The average number of crossings per month has been 1,896.

Last year, Rafah Crossing was open on only 25 days to allow exit to Egypt and on 31 days to allow entry into Gaza. To give a sense of perspective, during the first six months of 2013, when the crossing operated more regularly, the monthly average number of crossings (in both directions) was 40,816.